How do I perform Istikhara prayer for guidance?

The Prophet ﷺ taught Istikhara like he taught a surah (Sahih Bukhari 6382). It is for any decision that is permissible (you don't make istikhara about haram or wajib matters).

How to perform: 1. Make wudu. 2. Pray 2 rakahs of any voluntary prayer (not the obligatory). 3. After tasleem, raise hands and recite the Istikhara dua:

'اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ [name the matter] خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي... فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ.'

Translation summary: 'O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, Your power... If You know this matter is good for me in my religion, livelihood, and outcome — decree it for me and bless me in it. If You know it is bad for me — turn it away from me and decree what is good wherever it may be, and make me content with it.'

After the prayer: - Proceed with what your heart inclines toward and what circumstances make easier. - A dream is NOT required and is not the standard sign. - If unsure, repeat istikhara up to 7 times. - Always pair istikhara with shura (consultation with knowledgeable people).

Conditions: You must be content with whatever Allah decrees afterward.